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Illinois Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: how do i properly copyright characters i created for my comic book to avoid other claiming they invented them first ect
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 21, 2023

To properly protect characters you've created for your comic book, you should consider copyrighting the entire comic book as a literary work, which will include the characters. Copyright automatically applies when you create the work, but you can enhance your protection by registering the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: There has been a patent application that was approved, however in the non-patent citation, there is previous art similar

This patent was applied for in 2022, and even has a non-patent citation where it cites a previous art exactly the same who is selling on Amazon since 2021. The patent was still approved somehow and I am wondering why.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 7, 2023

It seems unusual for a patent to be approved if it contains prior art that is exactly the same as the invention described in the application. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) should technically reject any patent application that is not novel or is obvious in light of existing... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: There has been a patent application that was approved, however in the non-patent citation, there is previous art similar

This patent was applied for in 2022, and even has a non-patent citation where it cites a previous art exactly the same who is selling on Amazon since 2021. The patent was still approved somehow and I am wondering why.

Michael Byrne
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answered on Sep 6, 2023

The specific dates (not given in your question) might be the reason. If not and if the prior art really is "exactly the same" then the application could have been granted in error. The USPTO provides mechanisms to challenge such patents. For example:... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: I was told my mark would be HIGHLY rejected due to being confused with a current mark.

WOW World of Wisdom vs mine WOW Wisdom on Wellness. Our logos look nothing alike but the confusion of how it looks....

They filed 2015 & I created my site in 2014. What are my options so we can co-exist? I plan on filing for 041 & 044 & they have the same class. Are there any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2023

If the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or a court finds that your mark is likely to cause confusion with an existing mark, then your application for trademark registration will likely be denied, and you may be at risk for infringement claims. However, if you can demonstrate that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Is it legal to write a novel about a man that gets sucked into a real video game? Can I name the game in the book?

Can I use characters or the lore in the game to help tell my story?

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Aug 22, 2023

Use of the game's name is permitted as "nominative fair use" when referring to it, and it is also fair use of the game's characters and story line as commentary or parody. The essential point is that you are not creating another game to compete with it.

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Is it legal to write a novel about a man that gets sucked into a real video game? Can I name the game in the book?

Can I use characters or the lore in the game to help tell my story?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2023

Using the name, characters, or lore of a real video game in your novel would likely constitute copyright and possibly trademark infringement under California and federal law, unless you obtain permission from the rights holder. The game's elements are protected intellectual property, and using... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Owner of trademark serial 88010400. I’m the owner and would like to resume use of the trademark. What are my steps?

The trademark will be now online primarily. Owner currently resides in the state of Illinois

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2023

To resume use of your trademark (serial 88010400), you should begin using it in commerce again for the goods or services covered by the registration. Additionally, you may need to file an affidavit or declaration of continued use with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Owner of trademark serial 88010400. I’m the owner and would like to resume use of the trademark. What are my steps?

The trademark will be now online primarily. Owner currently resides in the state of Illinois

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2023

If there has been a period of non-use, it is essential to provide proof of the resumed use to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) through a declaration of continued use or an amendment to the registration. Additionally, you should ensure that your online usage complies with... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Owner of trademark serial 88010400. I’m the owner and would like to resume use of the trademark. What are my steps?

The trademark will be now online primarily. Owner currently resides in the state of Illinois

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Jul 25, 2023

The application to register ARTISTIC ARTICULATION LLC was approved for registration in Jan 2019, but due to the failure to file a statement showing its use within the required 6 month period, it was abandoned in Sept 2019. It could have been revived by filing a petition to revive, had that been... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Trademark Frisbee trademarksCase Title: 23-cv-2957Northern District Court IllinoisI am ebay hobby seller

I cannot afford lawyer. I am pakistani based seller. I sold 1 item of trademarked listing. E bay has frozen my acccount with my money in it. what can I do.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 22, 2023

If your eBay account has been frozen due to selling an item that infringes on a trademark, it is important to address the issue promptly. Here are a few steps you can consider:

Review eBay's policies: Familiarize yourself with eBay's policies regarding trademark infringement and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: can I make designs and put them on merchandise based on the characteristics of a character in a book?

examples:

A character is described as having large bat-like wings. the product would have a photo of a bat wing with words referencing wing size

a character is described as being a gossip "spilling the tea". The product would say "better tea than [insert characters name]"

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2023

It is important to consider intellectual property laws when creating merchandise based on a character from a book. If the book is still under copyright protection, the author or publisher may hold the exclusive right to use the character's likeness and characteristics for commercial purposes.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: What happens if I got a copyright claim email from my ISP about downloading a torrent file?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2023

Receiving a copyright claim email from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) means that someone has accused you of downloading copyrighted content illegally using a BitTorrent client. ISPs are required by law to forward such notices to their customers, informing them of the alleged infringement and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Can I sell my own 3d model of Lego flowers? I was selling then with the name Lego in the title until Lego took it down.

I created my own scaled up version of the Lego flower in a 3d modeling software. So the model is mine and I was wondering if I could continue to sell them without including the Lego name in the title.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2023

While you created your own scaled-up version of the Lego flower in a 3D modeling software, it is important to note that Lego has trademark and copyright protection over their products. Therefore, using the name "Lego" in the title or description of your 3D model product could be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and International Law for Illinois on
Q: How do you resolve a wrongful copyright claim for a cover song when you obtained a license properly?

I have obtained a legal mechanical license for each cover song in my album. However, my album was taken down for copyright infringement on ONE song. I tried contacting the company via their website but the contact form doesn't work and shows an error. I found their email and have sent them 5... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2023

If you have obtained a legal mechanical license for the cover song in question, you have a valid defense against any copyright infringement claim related to that song. You can try contacting the company or person who made the claim and provide them with a copy of the mechanical license. If you have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: I want to own a fashion online brand. Is there any Iegal requirements I need to take ?

A reputable online fashion brand

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2023

Yes, there are legal requirements that you need to consider when starting an online fashion brand. Here are a few important steps to take:

Choose a business structure: You will need to decide on a legal business structure for your brand, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation....
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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Hello! I want to make an updated griddle caddy to sell on Amazon. Does this patent prevent me from doing so?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2023

The information provided is not sufficient to determine whether the patent you mentioned would prevent you from selling an updated griddle caddy on Amazon. To assess this, you would need to carefully review the details of the patent in question, including its claims and scope of protection.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: I am within my legal rights to use a modified version of the coppertone logo freely? I would be making money off it.

Am I allowed to use an image of a girl and dog, deliberately meant to resemble the coppertone ads of the 1960s, as a logo for my band?

Sergiy M Sivochek
Sergiy M Sivochek
answered on Sep 19, 2022

Deliberate copying or modification of someone else's image may constitute willful copyright infringement with serious consequences, especially if done for financial gains. You would be well-advised to carefully discuss your specific plans with an experienced intellectual property lawyer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: I pitched an idea for a software platform to a large local company around the year 2000. The company was extremely

interested before suddenly cutting off communication with my company. I now work for this large corporation and was recently called into a meeting where I saw the product I had pitched had been fully implemented internally. I have zero proof. Do I have an IP case?

Erik Špila
Erik Špila
answered on Aug 23, 2022

Dear Mrs or Mr,

your case would be very hard as the burden of proof lies on your shoulders as you would be in position of plaintiff. Also the time (20 years) is quite a lot and making situation harder as you did not try to patent or protect differently this idea of yours.

Maybe you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: What would the penalty be if someone trespassed on private property, took photos of me in my swimsuit without my consent

photos and videos of me behind a privacy fence, on privacy property, without my knowledge or consent and distributed them to anyone

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Aug 8, 2022

Assemble your evidence and present it to the local prosecutor for possible criminal charges.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: I am a visual artist. I painted a large, photorealistic, 30x30in, painting of a Fritos bag. Can I sell it? Thank you!
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Mar 16, 2022

As long as you're not selling snacks, the transformative work is not an infringement. Andy Warhol did fine with his iconic Campbell's Soup can paintings many years ago.

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